"Quirky characters, interesting plot start off this Peggy Turner mystery series."

After the death of her husband, single-mom Peggy Jean (P.J.) Turner assumed his job as mayor of the broke little New England village of Cobb's Landing. Now she's facing the biggest challenge of her new position. Max, the wealthy man who bought the local bank, has come up with the grand idea of turning Cobb's Landing into a quaint, colonial tourist attraction similar to Colonial Williamsburg. P.J. isn't sure this is the best solution to their financial problems, but what other alternative is there? And she certainly doesn't want to be the one to stand in the way of good old- fashioned commerce.

As period dress and customs become mandatory for residents and most modern things are banned, people are hesitant to argue with the success they're experiencing. However, P.J. still has some doubts, especially following the drowning death of Selma, the town tart. And splinters found under Selma's nails match the same wood that was once used in the early days to torture witches. Seems like someone is taking the old ways and customs to the extreme. Now it's up to P.J. to help solve the crime and rescue her town before it's too late for everyone.

This first book in the Peggy Turner Mystery series is a real gem. Quirky, but likable, characters make it very interesting. I enjoyed reading it and look forward to the next installment.

Reviewed by Allyn Pogue
Courtesy Old Book Barn Gazette
Posted February 17, 2004

Summary

As mayor of the broke New England town of Cobb's Landing, Peggy Jean Turner is thrilled with the idea of creating "Colonial Williamsburg in Cobb's Landing." All goes swimmingly, until the town tart turns up dead--and Peggy must risk everything to solve the crime.